I know
I tell this story every time I review any of the books from Susan K. Marlow and
I can’t help it. Many years ago my daughter came across Susan K. Marlow’s books
at the TPA Homeschool Convention. With a horse and a girl her age on the book
cover she was pretty excited. She was sure then that she would love all the
books. We have read every book in all of the series and she would happily tell
you that she loves them all. If you’re wondering about more of the books you
can see that there are several series for all ages.

What
makes this series so special to this momma is that my daughter has some
learning disabilities and reading is extremely hard for her to do. Seeing her
excited about a book speaks loudly to me and touches my heart. I love that she
is reading a story about faith and family. All the series are wholesome books
for kids.

Each book has a PDF Study Guide and coloring pages on the author’s
website. The Study Guides have a suggestive schedule for incorporating the
reading and the Study Guide together. Both of the Study Guides covers several
topics from Geography, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Bible. Comprehensive
questions throughout to make sure they comprehend what they are reading and go
along with each of the chapters in the books. Lots of vocabulary assignments.
In these particular Study Guides my daughter has learned about poetry, similes,
mapping, historical information, hands on activities and character building,
Answers are included at the end of the Study Guides.

Both books
are set in 1877 in California at the Circle C Ranch where the family raises
cattle. The books are paperback chapter books for ages 7-9. Boys will enjoy
the adventure in these books also.

Andi
Saddles Up:

This is
the first book in the Circle C Stepping Stones Series. This book has 104 pages
and 12 chapters. The book starts out with, “New Words” which introduces some
vocabulary that the reader may or may not be familiar with. Some of the words
in this particular book have words like “cinch” or “stringer”.At the end of the book there is a section
called, “History Fun” and this one talks about “Sheep and Cattle Wars”. There
are several beautiful illustrations throughout the book.

It’s
Andi’s ninth birthday and the day that she can start riding her beloved palomino,
Taffy independently. She also gets a beautiful new saddle to call her own. Her
brother shows her his secret place spot when he was younger that she can ride
up to and enjoy. She meets a girl her age up there and Andi is about to learn a
lesson in growing up, friendship, trust, and obedience.

Here's a few samples from the Study Guide:

Andi Under
the Big Top:

Book 2
in the series has 105 pages and 12 chapters. New Words are introduced at the
beginning of the book. My daughter learned some new words like “menagerie” and “calliope”.
The back of the book on the “History Fun” section covers some intriguing facts
about the circus.

The
circus is coming to town and Andi has her head stuck in the clouds dreaming
about performing in the circus. She meets young Henry who ran away from home to
join the circus. Andi thinks that he has the perfect job on the road with the
circus. Andi finds out that not all things are how they seem on the surface.
Henry desperately wants to go home. He’s trapped and not able to run away from
the circus to get back home. That is until he sees an opportunity with the
Carter family. It comes with a high price for both Henry and Andi. Lessons are
learned and the value of family is priceless.

Study Guide samples:

How did
I use this in my homeschool?

I
printed out the Study Guides and put them in a comb binder as soon as I could.
My daughter ended up having some medical issues and our plans needed to be adjusted to what we originally planned on doing with the Study Guides. We snuggled up on the couch
to read the stories together. We took turns reading to one another.

We
worked our way through Andi Saddles Up Study Guide together. We didn’t get
through the Study Guide for Andi Under the Big Top this time around. She did
enjoy coloring some of the free coloring pages while I read to her.

I loved
these books and I can say the same about all of Susan K. Marlow books. They are
highly recommended from me. They all centered on a Biblical foundation and have
some lessons that we can use in our daily walk with our Savior. I don’t have to
worry about no surprises when I hand these stories over to my daughter to read.

1 comment:

Howdy, Renee, and thanks so much for your enthusiastic response to the newest Circle C series. It's so fun to reconnect (even briefly) with fans I've met at conventions. I didn't go to the TPA this year. Did you? We're headed for Greenville, and let me tell you! I can't believe how COLD it is in TN. Like 23. Hoping for warmer weather in SC.

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I'm a sweet tea addicted mamma who loves to cuddle up to a good book. I enjoy gardening and playing with my kids. I write about homeschooling, having a special needs child, and about whatever else tickles my fancy. I love the Lord with all my heart!

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